Schuberth told me for
certain that printing would begin directly they had received the
manuscripts. Don't delay too long, dearest friend - and believe me
when I once more assure you that the work is as eminent as the
intrigue, to which it momentarily succumbed, was mean-spirited.
Schuberth has no doubt told you that I want to make a
transcription of the Salamaleikum. But don't forget that another
Overture is inevitably NECESSARY, in spite of the refined,
masterly counterpoint and ornamentation of the first. The
principal subject
[Figure: Musical example of the principal subject.]
must begin, and the "Salamaleikum" end it. If possible, bring in
the two motives together a little (at the end). In case you
should not be disposed to write the thing I will do it for you
with pleasure - but first send me the complete piano edition for
Schuberth. The new Opera can then afford to wait a while, like a
"good thing" - only may weariness at it remain long absent
[Untranslatable play on the words Weile and Langeweile]! - In
order that you may not have a fit of it in reading this letter, I
will at once name to you the magic name of Rosa [Rosa von Milde,
the artist and friend of Cornelius, who wrote poetry upon her]...
In consequence of an insinuating intimation of our mutual
patroness, I have still to add the excuses of our good friend
Brendel to you. When I have an opportunity I will tell you in
person about the Prologue disturbances at the Leipzig Tonkunstler
Versammlung. Pohl had also supplied one - but the choice was given
over to Frau Ritter, and she chose her good "Stern," whose
prologue was indeed quite successful and made a good effect. But
oblige me by not bearing any grudge against Brendel, and let us
always highly respect the author of "Liszt as a Symphonic
Writer"! -
A thousand heartfelt greetings from your faithful
F. Liszt
Weymar, August 23rd, 1859
Princess Marie will thank you herself for the Sonnet, and at the
same time tell you about the musical performances of the 15th
August. Lassen's song, "Ave Maria," of which you gave him the
poem long ago, was especially successful. The Quartet:
"Elfen, die kleinen,
Wollen dich grussen,
Wollen erscheinen
Zu deinen Fussen"
["Elfin world greeting
To thee is sending,
Fairy forms lowly
At thy feet bending."]
composed by Lassen), and
"Wandelnde Blume, athmender Stern,
Duftende Bluthe am Baum des Lebens"
["Swift-changing flowers, pulsating star,
Sweet-scented blossoms on life's living tree."]
(composed by Damrosch), which we had sung together two years ago,
rejoiced us anew and most truly this time.
217. To Dr Franz Brendel
[In this letter, the programme refers to some theater concerts,
which were to be arranged according to Brendel's design. The
sketch was as follows:
